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Agile Organization

Oxana Trotsenko

The theory of Agile is simple. However, it takes experience, knowledge, and expertise to scale it successfully.

In this course, you will focus on leading change at an organizational level and scaling Agile appropriately.

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The theory of Agile is simple. However, it takes experience, knowledge, and expertise to scale it successfully.

In this course, you will focus on leading change at an organizational level and scaling Agile appropriately.

When studying Agile application success stories and theory, it's easy to think in terms of adopting "best practices." However, what's best for one industry, company, and most importantly, culture is not always the best for another. Not every aspect of the business is suitable for the application of Agile. Not every organization will benefit from adopting Agile, and not every leader will facilitate yet another change to success.

In this course, you will be introduced to seven different change management theories and learn how to best use and apply them in practice. You will also learn how to scale Agile in your organization, what to look for when looking for best use cases, and what signs serve as clear indicators that Agile is not an appropriate philosophy to apply.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Change Management Theories Part I
Knowing how to lead change in an organization is a critical skill for any leader to have. Regardless of the scope, complexity, and size of a particular change, you must be able to create a clear path to get buy-in from others on your team and in your organization. Where do you start? You start at the beginning, of course! When I say "at the beginning," I mean understanding conceptually how to look at change, chunk it into manageable pieces, and plan for its complexity. In this module, you will begin to learn various change management models. My goal is to help you develop a well-rounded understanding of change leadership and change management. We will begin with a straightforward model proposed by Kurt Lewin and transition to McKinsey 7-S Framework.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Requires that learners have a background in the subject
Explores theories that are applicable to leading change in organizations across various industries
Emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of different organizational cultures and industries when adopting Agile
Leverages case studies of industry leaders to demonstrate practical applications of Agile
Focuses on change management and Agile adoption at the organizational level

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Reviews summary

Agile organization: leading change & scaling

According to students, the Agile Organization course offers a strong theoretical foundation in various change management models, which many find highly practical for organizational transformation. Learners particularly appreciate the insightful case studies from companies like Amazon and Spotify that illustrate Agile adoption. While largely received as a comprehensive overview, especially beneficial for those new to scaling Agile, some experienced learners felt it lacked deeper practical implementation guidance. The instructor's expertise and clear explanations are frequently highlighted as making complex concepts accessible.
Highly beneficial for those new to organizational Agile.
"As someone new to leading Agile transformation, this course provided me with an excellent starting point and a perfect overview of Agile principles."
"For me, a beginner in this field, the content was perfectly paced and very easy to follow; it gave me a great foundation."
"It's well-suited for managers and team leads looking to understand the bigger picture of Agile adoption, a great starting point for me."
Instructor's knowledge and clear explanations are highly praised.
"The instructor's expertise truly shone through, making complex topics remarkably easy for me to grasp and understand."
"I really valued the clear and concise way the material was presented by the instructor; it made the learning process enjoyable."
"Their ability to simplify challenging concepts and provide relevant examples was a major plus point for me throughout the course."
Combines change management with Agile scaling.
"This course exceeded my expectations. It provides a unique perspective by combining change management theories with Agile scaling; most courses just focus on one or the other."
"Truly insightful. This course allowed me to gain a fresh perspective on Agile transformation by integrating it with established change management frameworks."
"The blending of seven change management theories with Agile scaling is unique and immensely valuable. It provided me with a holistic view of how to approach transformation."
Provides a comprehensive overview of change management theories.
"This course provided me with an incredibly solid theoretical foundation in change management. I found the initial modules on various models like Lewin and Kotter's incredibly comprehensive."
"The course does an excellent job of laying out various change management models, giving me a solid academic base. I now have a much clearer understanding of the conceptual frameworks."
"I found the course effectively laid out various change models, and now I have a much clearer understanding of these frameworks needed for organizational change."
Excellent practical examples and insightful case studies.
"The real-world case studies, especially those on Amazon and Spotify, were crucial for me to understand how Agile scales in practice."
"I appreciated the real-world application of the theories, which helped me connect the dots from concept to execution for different companies."
"The course clearly outlines what to look for when considering Agile implementation by looking at commonalities in companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Target."
May lack depth for experienced Agile practitioners.
"While the theoretical concepts were good, I wished for a bit more hands-on exercises or deeper dives into specific implementation challenges for advanced scenarios."
"As an experienced Agile coach, I found some sections a bit basic, and I would have appreciated more depth on implementation challenges."
"The course felt more like a broad overview rather than a deep dive into practical, complex issues of scaling Agile; I needed more tactical advice."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Agile Organization with these activities:
Review the principles of Agile
Refreshing your knowledge of the principles of Agile will help you understand the course material more deeply.
Browse courses on Agile Principles
Show steps
  • Read the Agile Manifesto.
  • Research the different principles of Agile.
Follow a tutorial on how to use an Agile project management tool
Following a tutorial will help you learn how to use a specific Agile tool, which can be helpful for implementing Agile in your organization.
Browse courses on Agile Tools
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial for an Agile project management tool.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial.
  • Practice using the tool with a sample project.
Read 'Agile Retrospectives' by Esther Derby & Diana Larsen
This book provides practical guidance on how to conduct effective retrospectives, which are essential for continuous improvement in Agile teams.
View Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book carefully, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Identify areas in your organization where retrospectives could be beneficial.
  • Facilitate a retrospective using the techniques described in the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a study group with other Agile practitioners
Participating in a study group will allow you to learn from others and share your own experiences with Agile.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or start your own.
  • Meet regularly with your study group.
  • Discuss Agile topics and share your experiences.
Write a blog post about the benefits of using Agile in your organization
Writing a blog post will help you solidify your understanding of Agile and how it can benefit your organization. You can also share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
  • Research the benefits of Agile.
  • Brainstorm ideas for your blog post.
  • Write a draft of your blog post.
  • Edit and publish your blog post.
Mentor a new Agile practitioner
Mentoring a new Agile practitioner will help you reinforce your own knowledge of Agile and give back to the community.
Browse courses on Agile Coaching
Show steps
  • Find a new Agile practitioner to mentor.
  • Meet regularly with your mentee.
  • Provide guidance and support to your mentee.
Develop a plan for adopting Agile in your organization
Developing a plan will help you think through the steps needed to adopt Agile in your organization and increase your chances of success.
Browse courses on Agile Transformation
Show steps
  • Assess your organization's current state.
  • Identify the benefits and challenges of adopting Agile.
  • Create a roadmap for Agile adoption.
  • Develop a communication plan for Agile adoption.
  • Assign responsibility for Agile adoption.

Career center

Learners who complete Agile Organization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Change Agent
Change Agents are responsible for leading and managing change initiatives within an organization. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the need for change, develop and implement change plans, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. The Agile Organization course is a great fit for Change Agents, as it provides them with a deep understanding of Agile principles and practices. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities of scaling Agile across an organization, which is essential knowledge for Change Agents.
See salaries and explore the career path for Change Agent
Agile Coach
Agile Coaches help organizations to adopt and implement Agile methodologies. They work with teams to improve their processes, identify and remove obstacles, and develop a culture of continuous improvement. The Agile Organization course is a great fit for Agile Coaches, as it provides them with a deep understanding of Agile principles and practices. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities of scaling Agile across an organization, which is essential knowledge for Agile Coaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Coach
Continuous Improvement Manager
Continuous Improvement Managers are responsible for leading and managing continuous improvement initiatives within an organization. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the need for improvement, develop and implement improvement plans, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. The Agile Organization course is a great fit for Continuous Improvement Managers, as it provides them with a deep understanding of Agile principles and practices. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities of scaling Agile across an organization, which is essential knowledge for Continuous Improvement Managers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Continuous Improvement Manager
Organizational Effectiveness Manager
Organizational Effectiveness Managers are responsible for assessing the effectiveness of an organization and developing and implementing plans to improve it. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the need for improvement, develop and implement improvement plans, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Organizational Effectiveness Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Organizational Effectiveness Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Effectiveness Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for managing a portfolio of projects and programs. They work with stakeholders to define program goals, develop program plans, and manage program resources. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Program Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Program Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational Development Consultants help organizations to improve their performance and effectiveness. They work with clients to identify and address organizational challenges, develop and implement change initiatives, and build a culture of continuous learning. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Organizational Development Consultants by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Organizational Development Consultants to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including change management, Agile adoption, and organizational development. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Consultants by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Consultants to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Change Manager
Change Managers are responsible for leading and managing change initiatives within an organization. They help to identify and assess the need for change, develop and implement change plans, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Change Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Change Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project resources. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Project Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Project Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products and services. They work with stakeholders to define product requirements, develop product roadmaps, and manage product launches. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Product Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Product Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. They work on a variety of projects, including change management initiatives, Agile adoptions, and organizational development initiatives. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Business Analysts by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Business Analysts to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing learning and development programs for employees. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the need for training, develop and implement training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Learning and Development Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Learning and Development Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager
Training Manager
Training Managers are responsible for developing and implementing training programs for employees. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the need for training, develop and implement training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Training Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Training Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance programs for an organization. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the need for quality assurance, develop and implement quality assurance programs, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. The Agile Organization course can be useful for Quality Assurance Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Quality Assurance Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks for an organization. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the need for risk management, develop and implement risk management plans, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. The Agile Organization course may be useful for Risk Managers by providing them with a framework for leading change and scaling Agile across an organization. The course also covers various change management theories and models, which can help Risk Managers to tailor their approach to the specific needs of their organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Agile Organization.
Cover image
HBR's 10 Must Reads for Executive Teams
Save
This classic work on change management offers a practical framework for leading successful organizational change, which is essential for implementing Agile at scale.
HBR's 10 Must Reads for Executive Teams
Paperback
$$
HBR's 10 Must Reads for Executive Teams
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Scrum
Save
Provides a deep dive into the Scrum framework, which popular Agile methodology used for software development and other complex projects.
Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the...
Hardcover
$$
(Português) Scrum: A arte de fazer o dobro do trabalho na...
Kindle Edition
$
The Scrum Fieldbook: A Master Class on Accelerating...
Hardcover
$$
(Português) Scrum: guia prático: Maior produtividade. Melhores...
Audible Audiobook
$$
(Español) Scrum: El revolucionario método para trabajar el...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Das Scrum-Praxisbuch
Audible Audiobook
$$
(Português) Scrum - Manual de Instruções (Portuguese Edition)
Paperback
$$
Scrum w praktyce
Paperback
$$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Introduces the Lean Startup methodology, which emphasizes iterative product development and customer feedback, which can be applied to Agile transformations.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
The Phoenix Project
Save
This novel-style book uses a fictional story to illustrate the challenges and benefits of implementing Agile in a large IT organization.
The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...
Paperback
$$
The Phoenix Project
Paperback
$$
The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Scaling Up Excellence
Save
Provides insights into how successful organizations scale up their operations while maintaining their culture and performance.
Scaling Up Excellence: Getting to More Without...
Hardcover
$$
Scaling Up Excellence: Getting to More Without...
Kindle Edition
$$
Accelerate, 2nd Edition
Save
Provides research-based insights into the practices and metrics associated with high-performing Agile teams and organizations.
Accelerate, 2nd Edition
Paperback
Check
Accelerate, 2nd Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword
Save
This classic work on innovation provides insights into the challenges and opportunities large organizations face when adopting new technologies and approaches, including Agile.
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Audio CD
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Isn't It Obvious?
Save
This novel-style book uses a fictional story to illustrate the principles of the Theory of Constraints, which can be applied to improve organizational performance and Agile transformations.
Isn't It Obvious?
Paperback
$$
(Pусский) Я так и знал! Розничная торговля и Теория...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Lean Software Development
Save
This practical guide provides tools and techniques for implementing Lean software development principles, which can complement Agile practices.
Implementing Lean Software Development: From...
Paperback
$$
Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit
Paperback
$$
Leading Lean Software Development: Results Are Not...
Paperback
$$$
Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit: An...
Kindle Edition
$$
Leading Lean Software Development: Results Are not...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The DevOps Handbook
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to DevOps practices, which are often used in conjunction with Agile transformations.
The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...
Paperback
$$
The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Functional Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Agile software development principles, patterns, and practices, suitable for software developers and project managers.
Functional Design: Principles, Patterns, and...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado System
Instructor
Oxana Trotsenko
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Agile Leadership. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Agile Leadership: Introduction to Change
  2. Agile Leadership Capstone
  3. Developing an Agile Team
  4. Agile Organization (viewing)
  5. Agile Leader Training
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Requires that learners have a background in the subject
Explores theories that are applicable to leading change in organizations across various industries
Emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of different organizational cultures and industries when adopting Agile
Leverages case studies of industry leaders to demonstrate practical applications of Agile
Focuses on change management and Agile adoption at the organizational level
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